Stefanos Tsitsipas is possibly having the best year in his career, in 2021. The Greek national has already won two titles this year and reached three finals as well. However, the World No.4 has not found great success on grass courts. The previous Wimbledon Championships did not prove to be beneficial for the Greek and the loss was near unbearable for him.

Stefanos’ grandmother, who was a pillar of support for him, passed away a few minutes before his French Open final against Novak Djokovic. And despite having heard the devastating news just before his match, he played with great courage and even went on to take a two-set lead against Novak Djokovic.

Stefanos Tsitsipas on his grandmother

Knowing about such news can never be easy, but to hear about it and then focus to on such an important match is unimaginable for most. Nevertheless, Stefanos took the lead in the first two sets before his legs gave up against the mighty Djokovic.

“It was really hard for me. I feel better now, although I still have some emotional breakdowns. I am grateful I had a person like that in my life and the rest of my journey as a player is for her,” said Stefanos during a press conference, ahead of his Wimbledon first round match.

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Stefanos on his previous Wimbledon campaign

The 2019 Wimbledon Championships is something Stefanos Tsitsipas would like to forget. A first round exit at SW19, two years ago, was a painful one for the Greek national. It was so bad that he almost broke down during the post match press conference.

He lost the match in a close encounter against Thomas Fabbiano of Italy. The match ended with Stefanos losing 4-6, 6-3, 4-6, 7-6, 3-6; however, he has come back stronger in the last two years, working harder than ever and banishing the dark memories.

“I have deleted what happened here two years ago. I know I have become a different player, I have raised my level – I have high expectations, but at the same time I will take it one match at a time,” said Tsitsipas during the press conference.

The World No.4 will be hoping for a strong finish at SW19 this time around, as the Tokyo Olympic Games will also begin next month.

Family members are always important, especially grandparents, who play a very crucial role in your upbringing. The loss of a close family member shall always remain within someone’s heart, and the pain can be difficult to bear. However, it is Stefanos’ time to win this title for his grandmother and prove to the world how much he has evolved since 2019.

He will be playing against Frances Tiafoe of France, in his first round match on Monday.

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